Monte Carlo
Country: Monaco · Region: Western Mediterranean · Currency: Euro
Monte Carlo is a glamorous Mediterranean resort district in the tiny, wealthy Principality of Monaco, famous for its casino, yacht-filled harbor, and Formula 1 Grand Prix. The city-state offers high-end entertainment, shopping, and cultural attractions packed into an exceptionally compact urban area.
Top sights
Monte Carlo Casino, Opéra de Monaco, Monaco-Ville (Prince's Palace), Port Hercule, Exotic Gardens, Fontvieille
Things to do
- Monte Carlo Casino
- A gambling and entertainment complex including a casino, opera house, and ballet office with strict dress codes (jackets and ties required); daytime audioguide tours available for €17.
- Opéra de Monaco
- A flamboyant opera house designed by architect Charles Garnier featuring red and gold decor, frescoes, sculptures, and hosting superior international ballet, opera, and concert performances.
- Monaco-Ville
- A medieval village at heart featuring the Prince's Palace of Monaco, made up almost entirely of pedestrian streets and passageways with picturesque architecture.
- Port Hercule
- An exceptionally beautiful harbor offering mooring for up to 500 vessels including large super yachts, popular for visitors to admire the yachts while having a drink by the water.
Beaches
- Sentier du bord de mer
- A pleasant 3 km seaside trail walkable from Cap d'Ail train station to Monaco on a concrete path in a natural setting, though it can be dangerous and is closed in bad weather with no nighttime lighting.
Where to eat
- Starbucks
- A coffee outlet located at Monaco-Monte-Carlo railway station.
Bars and nightlife
- Port Hercule waterfront
- A location where tourists can enjoy drinks while admiring the fantastic super yachts in the harbor.
Forecast for Monte Carlo
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Weather in Monte Carlo by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 78°F | 62°F | 0.4 in | 4 |
| February | 81°F | 62°F | 0.5 in | 5 |
| March | 85°F | 66°F | 0.5 in | 4 |
| April | 88°F | 68°F | 0.7 in | 5 |
| May | 88°F | 70°F | 2.9 in | 13 |
| June | 84°F | 70°F | 7.0 in | 21 |
| July | 85°F | 70°F | 4.6 in | 20 |
| August | 84°F | 70°F | 5.7 in | 20 |
| September | 83°F | 69°F | 7.3 in | 22 |
| October | 80°F | 68°F | 4.1 in | 13 |
| November | 78°F | 66°F | 1.1 in | 7 |
| December | 78°F | 64°F | 0.5 in | 4 |
Getting around
Walk whenever possible as Monaco is compact; use the free public escalators and elevators for steep sections, or take the urban bus service (5 routes, €2 per ride) or taxis from stands at Avenue de Monte Carlo and the railway station.
What to eat
Multiple dining and nightlife establishments are operated throughout Monaco by the Société des bains de mer de Monaco (SBM); seek recommendations from your hotel or tourist information office.
Tips
Bring your passport to enter the Monte Carlo Casino (entry €17 for daytime tours, €30+ for evening gaming); note that luggage storage is not available anywhere in the country as of September 2024.
Best for
Luxury, Gambling, Yachting, Culture
More ports in Western Mediterranean
Ajaccio · Barcelona · Cadiz · Cagliari · Cannes · Cartagena (Spain) · Florence and Pisa (Livorno) · Genoa · Ibiza · La Spezia · Malaga · Marseille · Messina · Naples · Palermo · Palma de Mallorca · Rome (Civitavecchia) · Salerno · Valencia · Valletta · Villefranche